Christians in Turkey are rejoicing at the release of Andrew Brunson from prison, house arrest and the lifting of travel restrictions to allow his return to the United States.

Today (12 October) Andrew attended the fourth hearing at a court in Aliaga, Izmir, in a trial in which he was accused of charges relating to terrorism and espionage. Despite several witnesses changing their previous testimony against him, Andrew was sentenced to five years in prison for intentionally aiding terrorist organisations, but this was reduced to three years and one month in prison, with the final year suspended. As he has been imprisoned since October 2016 he is now free and may leave Turkey if he wishes.

After two years in detention in a Turkish prison on an allegedly conspiracy and terrorism charge, his conviction has been found baseless and has been overturned by Turkish courts.

Pastor Brunson’s release marks the end of a complex 2- year odyssey that highlighted how delicately US foreign policy, regional governments, religious freedom, and human rights advocacy are interwoven.

According to ABC News, Pastor Brunson was “charged with ties to two groups Turkey considers terrorist organizations. The Trump administration had sanctioned two senior Turkish officials over Brunson’s longtime detention, calling them leaders of Turkish government organizations responsible for implementing Turkey’s serious human rights abuses. The U.S. imposed steel and aluminum tariffs on Turkey, citing national security. The economic penalties sparked trouble in the markets, leading to Turkey’s currency to plunge.” It is unclear how relations between the two countries will continue in light of the sanctions that led to Pastor Brunson’s release.”

ICR would like to stop and give respect to the many behind the scenes who made this happen. Attorneys, the advocates, gov’t workers, those alongside him in prison who still remain, those around the world who pray … all whose names will never be known by man.

Pastor Brunson, an evangelical pastor, has ministered in Turkey for twenty-plus years. Please keep him and his family in prayer during this time of transition into rest, reunification with his family, and reintegration into life outside of prison and house-arrest.

According to Mindy Belz, the Chief Editor for World Magazine, Pastor Brunson at the moment is on a plane bound for the United States. For this, we give thanks. Yet we also know that Pastor Brunson represents hundreds around the world still in chains for their Christian faith. We cannot allow those of us who possess the greatest freedoms of faith, and who hold the important privilege of prayer and free communication, to believe that the release of one equals the release of all.

Even as we pause to rejoice, there is still much work to be done around the world to combat religious persecution. One high profile person’s release can cause many to sleep yet again on the global persecution of Christians.

There is still much work to be done, much yet to pray over, but for today … we rejoice.

Christians in Turkey praise God for Andrew’s release and request prayer that:
a. the Lord will continue to strengthen Andrew as he recovers from this ordeal
b. he will soon be reunited with his family
c. Christians in Turkey would not be intimidated by this case but would maintain a clear witness